Plan your perfect winter getaway these school holidays with our top picks for families, explorers, and culture lovers.
These winter school holidays, let Narrandera be your gateway to the Riverina. With a full calendar of family events, cultural celebrations and outdoor adventures, there's every reason to plan a visit this July. Whether you're chasing live music, hands-on workshops, country racing or peaceful afternoons by the river - you'll find it here.
Family Fun and Community Events
Kick off the holidays with circus magic when the Harrington Circus Show rolls into town from 3-6 July. Expect beautiful aerials, thrilling stunts and big top fun for all ages. Open an hour before show time, come early for hot food, games, rides, showbags, and fairy floss!
The Bidgee Hotel is keeping kids entertained too, hosting a free Kids Craft Day on 8 July followed by a lively Kids Trivia Night on 10 July - perfect for a midweek family dinner and some good-hearted competition.
Then, on Wednesday 16 July, roll into the fun at the Glow Roller Disco at the Narrandera tennis courts from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Rock up in your comfiest pyjamas for a free afternoon of skating, music and good vibes. The Gillenbah Rural Fire Service will be on hand selling hot pancakes, making it the perfect winter afternoon outing. Whether you're a pro on wheels or just there for the tunes and laughs, this is one school holiday event you won't want to miss.
Celebrate Culture and Connection
Learn, connect, and celebrate Narrandera's rich Wiradjuri heritage this winter. It all begins on 7 July with NAIDOC 2025 The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy at Marie Bashir Park at 11am - a community gathering to celebrate the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
Join a free Youth Culture Tour at Sandhills Artefacts on 10 July with Uncle Mick! Walk on Country to learn and explore culture, paint your own boomerang, watch artefacts being made, and enjoy a bush tucker BBQ lunch. Bookings essential.
On 11 July, the Narrandera Local Aboriginal Land Council NAIDOC Day invites everyone to come together for a family-friendly day of food stalls, workshops and games at Pioneer Hall, Narrandera Showground from 11am to 3pm.
The Community Bank Narrandera Cup
A winter visit to Narrandera wouldn't be complete without experiencing a day at the races - and the Narrandera Cup on Sunday 13 July is the pinnacle of our Winter Racing Carnival. Headlined by the time-honoured Community Bank Narrandera Cup - a qualifier for the $3 million Big Dance - the meet will feature eight races and offer a record $310,000 prize money.
The excitement kicks off the night before with the Calcutta on Saturday 12 July, emceed by Sky Racing's Graeme White. With a prize pool expected to reach over $10,000, plus fun giveaways throughout the evening, it's a fantastic night to get involved and raise the stakes.
On race day, enjoy fashions on the field, entertainment, bar and canteen, and a buzzing family-friendly atmosphere. Pack your winter racing finest and be apart of one of the Riverina's most iconic winter events. For more information, visit the Narrandera Race Club Facebook Page.
Craft, Markets and Festive Cheer
For those who love a good market or workshop, there's plenty on offer this July. Step back in time with Mon Repos Narrandera's Grandfather Trades Workshops on 5, 13 and 14 July, where kids and adults can learn traditional skills like wool felting, leatherwork, and stained glass making. Bookings essential.
Celebrate Christmas in July with a festive dinner at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club on Saturday 19 July, then browse the Lions Club Christmas in July Markets on Sunday 20 July for homemade treats, winter warmers and local finds.
Discovery Narrandera's Natural Attractions
Of course, no holiday in Narrandera is complete without making time to explore the great outdoors. Even in winter, our region's natural beauty shines.
Take a wander through the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve, home to our koala population. Keep your eyes peeled for them snoozing in the fork of a River Red Gum.
Pack a thermos and head to Rocky Waterholes for a quiet picnic, some fishing, or a riverside walk. If you're after a true winter adventure, pitch a tent at one of Narrandera's peaceful camping spots and enjoy starry skies, crackling campfires and crisp country air.
Live Music and Local Nights Out
Wrap up the school holidays with a night of live music as Shaun Kirk takes the stage at the Grong Grong School of Arts on Friday 18 July. Known for his soulful voice and bluesy, foot-stomping performances, it's a great excuse for a winter evening out. Bookings essential.
Explore Beyond Narrandera
As your gateway to the Riverina, Narrandera makes the perfect base for daytrips and nearby adventures - and these winter school holidays, there's plenty happening just down the road.
In Leeton, the beloved Art Deco Festival runs from 11-13 July, celebrating the town's unique heritage with markets, vintage cars, swing dancing, fashion parades, and much more.
A little further afield, Wagga Wagga's Festival of W is lighting up the city from 5-20 July. With dazzling light installations, ice skating, live music, winter eats and family-friendly entertainment, it's a great excuse for a festive evening out.
For stargazers, don't miss the Saturday Skywatch events at The Rock Regional Observatory. Held every Saturday from 7pm to 10:30pm, these free sessions let you explore the night sky through telescopes, learning about stars, planets, and constellations - an unforgettable winter experience under the Riverina skies.
Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, with a calendar full of events, rich cultural experiences and natural beauty right on our doorstep - and even more to discover across the Riverina - there's every reason to make Narrandera your gateway to a memorable winter escape.
